Buckworths advises social enterprises, purpose-driven businesses, and charities, from early-stage organisations setting up their structure through to more established social enterprises looking to grow, raise investment, or enter commercial partnerships.
We advise on the right legal structure for a social enterprise, including Community Interest Companies (CICs), B Corps, and structures that embed social or environmental purpose into the business. We guide clients through the formation process, prepare constitutional documents, and advise on governance requirements.
We assist with commercial contracts, IP protection, and data protection compliance. For social enterprises seeking investment, we advise on grants, social investment, and commercial funding rounds, including SEIS and EIS. We assist with shareholder or member agreements, governance frameworks, and the legal requirements associated with B Corp certification and impact reporting.
On employment, we advise on staff contracts, HR policies, and incentive arrangements. For those considering commercial partnerships, acquisitions, or mergers, we provide full transaction support.
Book a free consultation to discuss your social enterprise.
Our Services
- Commercial
- Commercial Property
- Corporate
- Data Protection
- Dispute Resolution
- Employee Incentivisation
- Employment
- Franchising
- Funding
- General Counsel
- Intellectual Property
- Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A)
- Regulatory Services
- Secretarial Services
- Strategy and Business Support
FAQs
A Community Interest Company is a limited company with a specific community purpose, regulated by the CIC Regulator. It can earn income commercially, pay staff market rates, and distribute a limited amount of profit to shareholders. A charity is regulated by the Charity Commission, cannot have shareholders, and must apply all income to its charitable purposes. The right structure depends on how you intend to fund the organisation and whether commercial income generation is part of the model. We advise on both structures.
B Corp certification is awarded by B Lab to companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance. It is not a legal structure but a certification applied to an existing company. The process involves a detailed assessment and, for UK companies, amending the articles of association to include a commitment to stakeholder interests. We advise on the legal requirements for B Corp certification and make the necessary amendments to your constitutional documents.
Yes, but it depends on the structure. SEIS and EIS investment can only be made into private limited companies carrying on a qualifying trade. CICs structured as limited companies can potentially qualify, though the community interest requirement and asset lock need careful consideration. Charities cannot receive SEIS or EIS investment. We assess eligibility for social enterprises and advise on the most appropriate funding structure.